Cardamom Braids with Orange Twist
These Cardamom Braids, inspired by the Bishop Hill Bakery and Eatery in Bishop Hill, Illinois, bring a delightful blend of lightly spiced Swedish bread with hints of orange and cardamom. Perfectly paired with soft honey butter, this recipe is a Midwest Living favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 package)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, more or less (Bread flour preferred)
- 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp finely shredded orange peel
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Coarse granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, yeast, cardamom, salt, and orange peel.
- Prepare the Liquid Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, heat milk, sugar, and butter to 110-120°F.
- Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture.
- Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
- Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. The dough should be slightly wet. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Knead and Rise:
- Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft, smooth, and elastic dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape and Braid:
- Punch the dough down and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into thirds.
- Shape each portion into a 14" long rope.
- Place the ropes 1" apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Starting in the middle, loosely braid to each end. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck under the loaf.
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place until nearly doubled.
- Final Steps:
- Lightly brush or mist the top of the braids with water and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on top.
- Ensure the internal temperature is 180°F.
- If necessary to prevent overbrowning, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Remove from the baking sheet and cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy your delicious Cardamom Braids fresh from the oven, and don't forget to pair them with soft honey butter for the perfect treat!